School syrup sponge recipe?

Mark A

Mark A

Mark A

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I was chatting with my sister about foods we miss and syrup sponge was one we both loved from school. I have tried many syrup sponge puddings in the past from all the supermarkets and have never found anything that comes close.

Has anyone found something similar, or maybe a recipe they have tried that works? I tried to make one the other day, it was nice, but nothing like the school syrup sponge we used to get.

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1993657/easy-treacle-sponge

This is the recipe I tried, they have called it treacle sponge for some reason :confused:. It uses lemon juice and zest in the syrup, which I think is what ruined it as the school version didn't have any lemon in. Not sure what could be used in place of the lemon, water?

There must be somewhere that makes it for all the schools as it was the exact same one at 3 different schools.
 
I just remember it being a bit of a cheap sponge mix and a syrup based on golden syrup.

Basic sponge mix is this:
2 eggs - weigh them. Add that weight each of:
Caster sugar
Butter
Self raising flour

To make the sponge less eggy and tighter, I'd swap one of the eggs for the same amount of milk. So cream the butter and sugar, beat the egg and add it with the milk, then fold in the flour. Bake it at 170 for 20 minutes or until golden brown and your knife comes out clean. Let it cool for a bit and then spread golden syrup over the top.

I guess to be super authentic you could get a pre-made sponge mix, since this is probably what they did at school. And water the syrup down a bit :D
 
Thanks guys, but the syrup sponge we had at school was totally different than just some golden syrup on top. It had like half an inch thick layer of thick syrup on the bottom. It was also the texture of the syrup which added to it being so good.

Also another sponge we had that was nice was chocolate sponge with pink or green custard. Another I will have to have a go at making. I have read the pink custard can be made by using blancmange mix, but have yet to try it.

I'll try the sponge recipe, but just need to nail the syrup now. Also will try that microwave one, there was a 5 min chocolate recipe in GD ages ago that was pretty good for a quick cake.
 
My grandparents used to make us this as kids and man did I love it!! It was always a treat visiting knowing we'd get something as quick and easy as this...so going to have to try it again :D
 
Mark A said:
Thanks guys, but the syrup sponge we had at school was totally different than just some golden syrup on top. It had like half an inch thick layer of thick syrup on the bottom. It was also the texture of the syrup which added to it being so good.
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One of my faves from school too. I guess it may depend regionally, but from the North East, we used to call it treacle sponge. Ours was a basic sponge top, with a thick layer of treacle (golden syrup). The treacle is in fact mixed with breadcrumbs, which is how you get the firm texture. Add a glug of custard all over, divine!

As for lemon, I once tried it with lemon zest and it was far too overpowering. Basic sponge + golden syrup mixed with breadcrumbs + custard = sorted ;)
 
Thanks, I'll give it a try without the lemon and see what its like. I used breadcrumbs, which did seem to get a similar texture, but think I added too many as it went a bit too stiff.

I'm in the north west and have always called it syrup sponge, since its made from syrup :p. Treacle is black and is what they used to make Parkin, another favourite from school!
 
Don't forget that you may remember it tasting better than it actually does. Fond childhood memories and all that. :)
 
Don't forget to add that nondescript red/pink coloured syrup, poured from a slightly bashed copper coloured aluminium jug.
 
Heinz tinned steamed chocolate pudding with chocolate custard.

*DROOL*

Used to be able get them in the stores around here. Not found any in ages. Not even listed on Heinz web site either. Started trying to make something similar. Completely failed so far. :(
 
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